Coin Door on MAME

[tw661]

Just beginning my research on building a MAME cabinet.  Can you get the pc to react to actual coin door like a real arcade machine.  And how do people typically switch between games.  Is it just Start-->Programs-->Donkey Kong or is there a program out there that acts as an interface to all of your install arcade games and will only work when you insert a quarter.  Just curious if the anyone actually uses the coin door or is it just for looks.

Thanks everyone

[Tilzs]

I'd say a good portion of people use the coin door. Do a forum search for coin door and keyboard encoder. Also check out the FAQ at the top of this forum.

As for frontend software, check out the software forum there is a bunch of them to manage all of your games

[tw661]

Cool thanks

[1UP]

Actually, if you're new to this hobby, try reading all the links to the left, or at least everything from Controls down to Game Consoles.  Not only will it help you immensely with your project, you'll gain a lot of respect from the regulars here by not being just one of those newbs asking the most basic questions for the zillionth time!  

[StephenH]

The easiest way to use a coin door, is to buy a key encoder (such as an I-Pac, KE24, KE72, etc) and assign it to a key (such as "5", which is MAME's default key for "insert coin").

Also, you are right about switching games.  You can get one of the front ends.  Additionally, you may want to add a button on your cab encoded for ESC, which quits MAME and returns to the front end or menu.